Job 32-33

“Elihu had waited for the others to speak to Job because they were older than he. But when he saw that they had no further reply, he spoke out angrily.” (Job 32:4–5, NLT)

Elihu had waited patiently while Job and his three friends discoursed. He was the youngest, so he did not venture to speak. He felt that it was proper for him to listen. He heard Job justifying himself and contending against God. He heard Job’s three friends condemn Job and yet fail to convict him of sin. The more he listened, the angrier he became until he was like a cask of wine without a vent or a new wineskin ready to burst! His words came pouring out.

Perhaps you have reached that point of frustration where you’ve got to get something off your chest. That can be dangerous, because many times in the heat of the moment we say things that we later regret.

Elihu did not know if his words would be received because of his youth, but he spoke on because he could no longer remain silent.

I wonder how Job felt about Elihu’s rant. Later we will see that the LORD rebukes Job’s three friends for not speaking accurately about Him, as His servant Job had (Job 42:7). But God never rebukes Elihu.

While it can be difficult to be corrected by a young person, the truth is that God can speak through anyone. Sometimes we are put off by their audacity, and we don’t listen to what they say. But that is a mistake. Yes, perhaps they need to live more life before speaking about matters they don’t fully understand. But on the other hand, if God can speak through a donkey, then He can speak through a youth. (Numbers 22:22-35)

In the end, we must judge words not by who is delivering them but by what is being said. Is it true? Then maybe I need to listen and rethink my position. May God help us to receive correction with humility whatever the source. We shouldn’t take everything to heart, but we should take things to the Lord in prayer.

“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NKJV)